Loyal James Drey, a beloved husband, brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on May 24, 2025, at the age of 86 in Scottsdale, Arizona.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Clifford and Eunice Drey; his father-in-law, Joseph Noonan; and his siblings, including sisters and brothers-in-law: Lila Dahl (Ted), Lee Skelton (Buzz), Wilma Drey, and Roger Paasch; as well as brothers and sisters-in-law: Wayne and Lillian Drey, Duane Drey, Melvin and Connie Drey, Don and Bonnell Drey, and Verlyn Drey.
Loyal is survived by his wife, Marlene Drey, and their children: Kelly Cushman (Dan), Michele Johnson (Mark), Lori Shannon (Mike), and Lisa Diederich (Bill). He is also survived by 12 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren, with another on the way. Additional survivors include his mother-in-law, Mary Noonan; sister, Velva Schmieding (Cy); brother, Larry Drey (Barb); sisters-in-law, Linda Noonan and Mary Jo Beda (Tom); and brother-in-law, Pat Noonan (Pam). He is lovingly remembered by many nieces and nephews.
Born on March 1, 1939, in Gregory, South Dakota, Loyal was one of 11 children and carried the values of hard work, faith and family throughout his life. He built a successful career in the grocery business, beginning as a manager at Hinky Dinky grocery store and later becoming the proud owner of Loyal’s Foodland in Blair, Nebraska, which he opened in 1979. For two decades, Loyal served his community with integrity, earning the trust and admiration of all who knew him.
Together with his beloved wife, Marlene, Loyal raised four daughters, instilling in them the same strong values that defined his life. Family was the heart of everything he did, and he found great joy in watching it grow and thrive.
In retirement, Loyal and Marlene split their time between summers at Hanson’s Lake in Omaha, Nebraska, and winters in Sun City West, Arizona. He embraced life fully, staying active in his church, enjoying time on the golf course, cheering on the Huskers, and sharing laughter and luck at the casino. Loyal’s Fourth of July celebrations at Hanson’s Lake were legendary and cherished by all who attended.
Loyal’s legacy is one of love, faith, generosity and unwavering devotion to his family. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on June 14, 2025, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 10815 N 84th Street, Scottsdale, Arizona. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his honor to the Alzheimer’s Foundation or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Deceased birth info: March 1, 1939, Gregory, South Dakota
Deceased death info: May 24, 2025, Scottsdale, Arizona
